Standardisation

Battery standards are developed in the following organizations: CEN/Cenelec, ISO, IEC and UN ECE.

IEC White Paper on "Grid Electrical Energy Storage ( 2011) and on "Grid Integration of large-capacity RES and use of large-capacity EES (2012) can be ordered in the IEC webstore.

In addition to the rules set out in legislation, there are a number of standards which also apply to batteries. CEN have prepared standards for a number of batteries, such as nickel-based batteries used in aircraft. Standards are also drafted in the field of lead-based batteries for use in aircraft and other applications. Cenelec is the main European battery standardisation body. They have prepared numerous standards on the manufacture, labelling, packaging and transport of batteries. Both CEN and Cenelec are recognised as standards bodies by the European Union.

As part of their efforts in standardisation, the European Commission has mandated CEN/Cenelec with preparing standards for electric vehicles and plug-in electric vehicles. This new standardisation process has a direct impact on the European Battery industry as CEN/Cenelec will be reviewing existing or developing new standards in order to ensure interoperability between chargers and online and removable batteries so that batteries can be safely and effectively recharged across all EU member states. EUROBAT is actively participating in this process through contributions to the Electro-mobility Coordination Group to represent the Battery Industry. Through this process, EUROBAT can provide member’s expertise and knowledge in helping to ensure effective standardisation.

New labelling standards in the field of batteries are also being considered by Cenelec with input from EUROBAT. Labelling ensures the proper treatment and handling as well as safe recycling of batteries. As well as the work done by Cenelec on standards for transportation of batteries, EUROBAT has prepared its own transport guide for members to ensure the highest levels of safety in the transportation of batteries.

The ISO, the International Organization for Standardization comprised of national standards institutes of 163 countries; and the IEC, the International Electrotechnical Commission comprised of 81 member and associate member national electrotechnical committees, perform similar functions on an international level as CEN/Cenelec do on a European level.